Illinois School of Public Health – IL

By allied health world contributing writer
Published:  February 12th, 2010

The Illinois Office of Health Protection (IOHP) is responsible for administering programs to control and prevent communicable and infectious diseases in the state, along with eliminating and reducing environmental hazard exposure. It is also charged with preserving a food supply that is nutritious, wholesome, and safe.

Specific responsibilities taught through Illinois public health schools include reducing the spread of HIV and AIDS via surveillance, education, notification of partners, testing, and counseling. The IOHP also immunizes children against diseases that are preventable through vaccinations, including mumps, measles, and pertussis. The IOHP reduces the frequency of injuries and diseases that are environmentally related, and prevents food and drug contamination. It controls and eliminates illness outbreaks like E. coli, salmonellosis, hepatitis, and meningococcal disease, and provides testing services in clinics and environmental labs.

The IOHP has many other areas of responsibility, including:

• Animal and insect nuisances
• Rabies control
• STD control
• Licensure and inspection of tanning facilities
• Licensure of pest control companies
• Licensure of lead inspectors, contractors, and other workers
• Restaurant inspections

For a full list of duties that pertain to the IOHP, go to http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/ohp.htm.